When the Patriots took Duke Dawson in the second round this year, it was yet another indicator of just how much they value versatility in the secondary.
He played all over the defensive backfield for Florida but seemed to settle in nicely to his role in the slot. That's where the Patriots played him during his first training camp -- the Patriots call it the "star" -- and the 5-foot-10, 198-pounder impressed enough that he was taking snaps there in practices with Patriots starters.
A hamstring issue suffered during a special teams drill brought his progress to a screeching halt, though. It nagged at him for most of the summer and he was placed on injured reserve Week 1. He's since been activated to the roster but has yet to be in uniform on game day.
Dawson's ceiling? If the Patriots have their future top nickel corner -- a starting role in the NFL in 2018 -- there's big-time value there. Offenses are so efficient these days that if you can slow one of their most efficient options (typically slots and tight ends because of the high-percentage nature of the targets they see), then you're ahead of the game.
With Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty either 10 years in the league or close, Bill Belichick could use an injection of youth in the secondary. If Dawson can stay healthy, he'll be a key part of what the Patriots do defensively for the next three seasons or more because of the importance of the position he plays.
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